5 Must Have Safety Programs

While there are numerous OSHA regulations that requires facilities to maintain written safety programs, many of you may be unaware of exactly which programs you are required to maintain. You may ask yourself “Do I need to have a written program for every single OSHA regulation?” One thing that is good to ask yourself is are you confident and prepared if OSHA visits your facility and inspects your safety programs? This list of safety programs and some of the aspects that are required to be outlined in them should provide guidance on what to keep in mind when deciding how to prioritize your safety programs.

1. Bloodborne Pathogens Program

This program is required in any workplace where employees have occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM)

Schedule and method of compliance

Vaccination and post-exposure evaluations

Communication of hazards to employees

Recordkeeping and Training

Exposure Control Plan (should be reviewed annually)

2. Emergency Action Plan

Procedures for reporting a fire or other emergency

Procedures for emergency evacuation

Procedures to be followed by employees who remain to operate critical plant operations prior to evacuation

Procedures to account for all employees after evacuation

Training

3. Written Hazard Communication Program

Description of criteria for labeling and other forms of warning

Explanation of the framework of Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)

Employee training

List of hazardous chemicals known to be on site

4. Respiratory Protection Program

This program is required in any workplace where respirators are necessary to prevent exposure to a hazard or required by the employer

Specific procedures for the shutdown, isolation, blocking of and securing machinery or equipment to control hazardous energy when employees are engaged in activities covered by the standard (e.g. maintenance)

Specific procedures for the placement and removal of lockout and tagout devices

Specific procedures for the testing of machinery and equipment to determine and verify the effectiveness of the lockout devices

Training, including a physical run-through of the procedures with authorized employees on an at least annual basis

These are only a select few of the safety programs, and their components, required by OSHA. Please feel free and contact Conversion Technology Inc. if you would like to know more.